CHAP. XXi. 
THE GRAND .BATTUE. 
185 
At the first triumphal arch the Royal Prince was 
met by the Mayor and chief dignitaries of the city, 
and loyal addresses were presented from love for Her 
Majesty and respect for her sailor-son. 
This 9th of August was a great day for Graham’s 
Town. Every soul was out and rejoicing, the English¬ 
man, Hottentot, Fingoe, and the Bushman all vieing 
with each other to do honour to the Prince. The roar 
of cannon, the parade of troops and banners, and, above 
all, the display of bright eyes, added grace and brilliancy 
to the homage paid to the offshoot of the great country. 
Addresses were presented from all denominations 
and classes of people; and towards evening his Royal 
Highness held a levee, at which the chief inhabitants, 
both ladies and gentlemen, were presented to him. In 
the evening there was a grand ball given to the Prince ; 
and Mr. H. S. Blaine, the chief merchant of the city, 
kindly lent his large new store for the occasion. The 
hotels were all full, and some of the royal suite were 
welcomed at private houses. 
At the ball there was much fun arising out of the 
rivalry for the Royal Prince’s attentions, more particu¬ 
larly between the two leading ladies of the province ; but 
the palm of honour was carried off by Lady Currie, the 
wife of the gallant knight so respected, so dreaded, and 
so beloved on the Frontier. One fair dame in the ball¬ 
room enquired of His Royal Highness after his 4 mother; ’ 
